Trial of Print Messages to Support the Role of Partners in Promoting Provider Discussions About Prostate Cancer Screening Among AA Men

The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government.
Read our disclaimer for details.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether female partners of African American men can promote initiation of a discussion with a healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening when the partner is supported by a print message designed to provide relevant information and strategies for her to use in this effort.

Objective: Although AA men are at elevated risk for prostate cancer (Pca), medical guidelines do not present consistent screening recommendations for this group. However, all guidelines stress the need for screening decision making with a provider. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a brochure designed for the female partners of AA men, designed to help promote such discussion on the part of their mates. We also explored the effect of the partner's monitoring style (i.e., the extent to which the partner typically attends to health threats) on promoting discussion.

Methods: Female partners of AA men (N=231) were randomized to receive either a Pca screening CDC brochure for AA men, combined with a "partner" brochure containing strategies to promote men's initiation of a provider visit to discuss screening, or the CDC brochure only, and completed pre- and post-intervention surveys online.

Conclusions: High monitoring partners may be effective in influencing their AA mates to initiate provider discussion, particularly when tailored messaging is provided.

Receipt of CDC brochure by female partners of African American men designed to provide African American men information and guidance concerning whether to undergo PSA and/or DRE screening for prostate cancer

Behavioral: CDC brochure only condition

Receipt of CDC brochure by female partners of African American men designed to provide African American men information and guidance concerning whether to undergo PSA and/or DRE screening for prostate cancer

Experimental: Partner and CDC brochure condition

Receipt of a brochure designed for female partners of African American men designed to provide information about prostate cancer screening and strategies for influencing her mate to schedule a discussion with a health care provider about whether to undergo prostate cancer screening, in combination with receipt of the comparator brochure (CDC brochure for African American about prostate cancer screening).

Behavioral: Partner and CDC brochure condition

Receipt of a brochure designed for female partners of African American men designed to provide information about prostate cancer screening and strategies for influencing her mate to schedule a discussion with a health care provider about whether to undergo prostate cancer screening, in combination with receipt of the comparator brochure (CDC brochure for African American about prostate cancer screening).

Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the contacts provided below. For general information, Learn About Clinical Studies.

Layout table for eligibility information

Ages Eligible for Study:

18 Years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Sexes Eligible for Study:

Female

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

U.S. female aged 18 and over, and having an AA male partner between the ages of 35 and 69 with no history of a Pca diagnosis